

The Murray Independent School District supports our students and the approaching testing window. Each respective Murray campus is preparing for testing and providing motivation for our Tiger students! Today, Murray Middle School held a clap-out for students and parents joined in on the efforts and support. Parents, staff and administration lined the hallways as students walked through and gave big smiles!
Good Luck Tigers! You got this, we're cheering for you throughout Tiger Nation. #murrayschools





Students in Amy McCann's first grade class have been producing podcasts this past year. The students started working on their research for their last podcast of the year. Students selected their own topic and performed research and wrote their segment themselves. "It is so cool to watch them in action and see how far they have come," McCann said.
Amina Spencer chose money as her topic because of their math study and she finds interesting. Amina does the introduction, then shares facts she has learned about money. Amina then interviewed her classmates, and Mrs. Purdom, MISD Public Information Officer. During the interview they were asked how they would spend $100.
The students in Mrs. McCann's class have had a wonderful time producing the podcasts throughout the year. To hear Amina Spencer's Podcast #14, and other podcasts by students, visit:
https://padlet.com/amymccann2/mrs-mccann-s-1st-grade-podcasts-j6t9g0f4yt80ihj9
We applaud Mrs. McCann and her students for creating their podcasts and working with their classmates!
#murrayschools







Nominators described Mrs. Parker: “Emily Parker consistently demonstrates excellence through her unwavering commitment to growth (both her students’ and her own). She is a true lifelong learner, continually taking
college courses to deepen her knowledge and refine her craft. This dedication shows up
daily in her classroom. She meets students exactly where they are, designs instruction
tailored to their needs and ensure every student experience growth. “
We congratulate Ms. Parker on this prestigious Tiger Pride award! #murrayschools

Nominators said, “Ms. Marianne consistently demonstrates excellence through her dedication, positivity, and strong commitment to student success. She builds meaningful relationships with students, providing individualized support that helps each grow academically and gain confidence as a learner. In small group settings, Ms. Marianne skillfully reinforces classroom instruction, uses effective strategies to engage students, and adapts lessons to meet diverse needs. “
We congratulate Ms. Baucum on this prestigious Tiger Pride award! #murrayschools

We are very appreciative of our volunteers and feature our volunteer giveways in an upcming post. Thank you doesn't seem enough for all the selfless, countless hours each volunteer provides.
Special thanks to our community businesses for helping recognize our volunteers! #murrayschools

Nominators described Mrs. Pittman as "Mrs. Pittman consistently demonstrates excellence in teaching and learning through her strong commitment to differentiated instruction and high academic expectations. She
thoughtfully designs lessons that meet students at their individual levels while still
challenging them to think critically and deepen their understanding.”
We congratulate Mrs. Pittman on this prestigious Tiger Pride award! #murrayschools

Nominators described Emily as, " Very kind and selfless to help teach students and not always be compensated for it. Many will not do that! Her willingness to go above and beyond to help others. She shows up wherever she is needed.”
We congratulate Emily on this prestigious Tiger Pride award! #murrayschools

Murray High School juniors Brooke Burgess, Maya Ruth Crittendon, Dwinata Marjadi, Kenzie Myers, and Miranda Ann Mathis (alternate) were selected from among 283 applicants from around the country to join Murray State University’s 2026 Commonwealth Honors Academy.
The Commonwealth Honors Academy is a prestigious three-week academic enrichment program held each June on Murray State University’s main campus in Murray, KY. CHA Scholars complete two honors-level college courses taught by outstanding educators, participate in personal development seminars, and enjoy lots of social activities to get a taste of college life. Graduates of CHA earn a 4-year in-state tuition scholarship to Murray State University and three transferable credit hours. Academy students are chosen based on a variety of qualities and accomplishments, including academic performance, maturity and character, leadership, writing ability, curricular strength, extracurricular activities, and overall potential. For more information, please visit the Academy website at www.murraystate.edu/CHA and find the program on Instagram and Facebook (@commonwealthhonorsacademy).
Burgess is the daughter of Jonathon and Shanna Burgess. Crittendon is the daughter of Terry Crittendon and Mayuraporn Crittendon. Marjadi is the son of Riza and Taminara Marjadi. Myers is the daughter of Beth and Johny Myers. Mathis is the daughter of Steve and Erin Mathis. #murrayschools

The Kentucky Center Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) is an arts education program of The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts. The GSA three-week summer program is for rising juniors and seniors in Kentucky.
Each spring over 1700 students audition for spots in the program. Located at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, the program is free for students to attend (full tuition, room, and board) and is funded by the state and private fundraising. Every summer, a faculty of professional artists and educators’ mentor over 200 of Kentucky’s finest young creative artists. Students are immersed in a rigorous schedule of daily seminars, master classes, lectures, hands-on workshops, field trips and performing/exhibiting at the finale Student Festival. While each student specializes in one art form, all students participate in structured, interdisciplinary arts experiences designed to familiarize them with the joys and challenges of specialties other than their own.
GSA historically takes place the last two weeks of June and has served all 120 counties in the Commonwealth through the summer program and its outreach workshops. GSA is a statewide program and encourages geographical and ethnic diversity.
Ambrosio is the son of Michael and Christina D’Ambrosio. Donnelly is the daughter of Jennifer Hughes Donnelly and Robert Donnnelly. French is the son Todd and Andrea French. Mehta is the son of Jay and Erika Mehta. Shelby is the son Ellis Shelby. Tomonaga is the is the son of Masaaki Tomonaga and Min Sun Oh. Utgaard is the son of John and Bentley Utgaard. Vu is the son of Binh Vu and Ngoc Bui. Mathis is the daughter of Steve and Erin Mathis. Pathak is the daughter of Manoj Pathak, and Prashansa Adhikari. Phelps is the daughter of Kelli and Eric Phelps. Castleberry is the son of William and Laura Castleberry.
(Editor's Note: An update on the 2026 MHS GSA Recipients includes our alternates)

MHS Quick Recall Team pictured: (from left): Ali Yarali, Selvam Antony, Anastasia Arkova, Adeline Pitman, Adam Pitman, Coach, and Jeremy Krug, MHS Chemistry teacher. (back row from left): Wesley Bolin, Coach, Brandon Daughaday, and Cullen Larkin.
The Murray Independent School District wishes them the best as they compete this weekend! #murrayschools

“It was a great day to see our community, state, and region support this inaugural historic moment for Murray State University to be home to the first school of veterinary medicine in Kentucky,” Meinschein said.

Murray High School freshman Olivia McLaughlin won the second round of the Rotary Speech Contest held at the Rotary Club of Mayfield Meeting at the WKRECC Community Room.
The sectional contest featured four contestants from across the region. McLaughlin won a $400 cash prize for her efforts. She now advances to the next round on April 30 at the Murray Rotary Club meeting.

We applaud our students, the MES teachers and administration, and our community who helped with the production. #murrayschools







The Kentucky Center Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) is an arts education program of The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts. The GSA three-week summer program is for rising juniors and seniors in Kentucky.
Each spring over 1700 students audition for spots in the program. Located at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, the program is free for students to attend (full tuition, room and board) and is funded by the state and private fundraising. Every summer, a faculty of professional artists and educators’ mentor over 200 of Kentucky’s finest young creative artists. Students are immersed in a rigorous schedule of daily seminars, master classes, lectures, hands-on workshops, field trips and performing/exhibiting at the finale Student Festival. While each student specializes in one art form, all students participate in structured, interdisciplinary arts experiences designed to familiarize them with the joys and challenges of specialties other than their own.
GSA historically takes place the last two weeks of June and has served all 120 counties in the Commonwealth through the summer program and its outreach workshops. GSA is a statewide program and encourages geographical and ethnic diversity.
Ambrosio is the son of Michael and Christina D’Ambrosio. Donnelly is the daughter of Jennifer Hughes Donnelly and Robert Donnnelly. French is the son Todd and Andrea French. Mehta is the son of Jay and Erika Mehta. Shelby is the son of Jason and Ellis Shelby. Tomonaga is the is the son of Masaaki Tomonaga and Min Sun Oh, Utgaard is the son of John and Bentley Utgaard. Vu is the son of Binh Vu and Ngoc Bui.
(photo from left) 2026 Murray High School Governor’s Scholars Program Recipients-Tyce Gibson, Owen Howell, Kenzie Myers, Adeline Pitman, Ava Grace Podrovitz, Joshua Sloan, Kalyn Stockdale, and Brodie Morris
Murray High School Students Selected for 2026 Governor’s Scholars Program
Murray High School juniors, Tyce Gibson, Owen Howell, Kenzie Myers, Adeline Pitman, Ava Grace Podrovitz, Joshua Sloan, Kalyn Stockdale, and Brodie Morris (alternate), are among the 1,020 Kentucky students selected as the 2026 Governor’s Scholars Program recipients.
The Governor’s Scholars Program is a competitive summer residential program for rising high school seniors across Kentucky. This year, a pool of 1,698 students applied. The Program’s mission is to enhance Kentucky’s next generation of civic and economic leaders. Students who are selected attend the Program without charge. In the spirit of partnership, the Office of the Governor, the Kentucky State Legislature, and private enterprise come together to provide financial support for the Program.
Murray High School was allowed to submit eight applications this year, and all eight students were accepted, with one as an alternate.
Participants will attend sessions hosted at Centre College, Morehead State University and Murray State University, where they will take part in academic coursework, seminars, and enrichment activities.
Program officials said the goal is to help develop the next generation of civic and economic leaders in Kentucky.
Gibson is the son of Trent and Ashley Gibson. Howell is the son of Jason and Renee Howell. Myers is the daughter of John and Beth Myers. Pitman is the daughter of Adam and Tiffany Pitman. Podrovitz is the daughter of Ryan and Beth Podrovitz. Sloan is the son of Bethany and Matthew Sloan. Stockdale is the daughter of Kristi Stockdale. Morris is the son of Micah and Abbie Morris.















We recognize the importance of mental, physical, and social-emotional health for all of our Tigers. As we head into the final weeks of school—with activities, testing, and year-end events—it can be a busy and sometimes stressful time for students, staff, and families.
Take time to care for yourself. Do the things that bring you balance, calm, and joy.
Remember— if you need support, please reach out to a staff member. We are here to help.
Let’s take care of ourselves and each other as we finish the year strong—together! 🖤💛
#murrayschools #EveryKidHealthyWeek #TigerPride 🐯
